Practically Classics Forum

Hi Terry

I must admit I have a real soft spot for Range Rovers, having previously owned a Wood and Pickett conversion and latterly a CSK.

I know how thirsty Range Rovers are, which kind of defeats the object of this exercise, however I would assume the running costs on LPG would compensate slighlty.

I have heard that the mpg drops when on LPG. Is this right? What sort of mpg are you getting? Is your RR a 3.9 or 3.5? What system is best for the 3.9?

eeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrr............. (quick calculation) I get about 14mpg on a run (oops, i wish i hadn't just worked that out) if you set the timing correctly you shouldn't notice a drastic difference. it is about 5% worse but unless you are towing something heavy or driving the wheels off it you shouldn't notice.
My RR came with a 4.2 but i have replaced it with a 4.6 as it had 150k on the clock and was majorly down on compression.
My manual says i should get 16mpg "highway" I have ordered a new exhaust and have a pair of new lambdas to fit which should improve things as my current exhaust is knackered and the lambdas are less than good.
Personally I like the LSE (4.2) for the extra space and they are a bit less common plus the longer stroke engine gives it a bit more torque so it feels more lively.
putting LPG on a 3.5efi (flapper type) is aparantly quite expencive. If you get a 3.9 with Lambda sensors (I think all UK spec cars did but don't hold me to that) then you can get a closed loop system cheaply enough. I have a KME Bingo S (as it came in the car, it's a copy of the Leonardo system tinly tech sell). Closed loop systems are really easy to set up and maintain. If you email tinley they will advise you on what kit is best. When I have some more spare funds i'm going to order an LPG tank to go in place of the spare wheel as currently i have a huge cylinder in the boot robbing it of 50% of it's space.

Don't knock the homegrown cars for practicality and value - Maestro, Montego (especially countryman estate) or Rover 213 series. I had a Honda-engined Rover 213S and reckon it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. The MK1 Ford Focus is starting to age now and is excellent value.

Although I agree that a Metro is a hoot to drive they can't make a case for themselves if crash safety is considered. As you indicate that you have 4 kids this may be an important factor that you haven't considered yet? Depending how old the kids are they might end up learning to drive in this car / or having it as a first car?

I'd say what you need is a mk2 Golf gti on a classic insurance policy. However if you insist on a British car what about a late 80's early 90's Nissan Bluebird? - i think that they were assembled in Washington making them 'British'??

Yes, the Bluebird is a good reliable car, but lacks a little bit of character.

I am going to view a couple of Rover 200 Coupes this week, as they fulfill most of my requirements.

The kids who will travel in the 4 seater, rather than the Land Rover; are toddlers. So very little leg room needed

Well I have taken the plunge and bought a Rover. However is is a little more modern in the shape of a 75 CDT SE.

At the price is was going for (under £500.00), it is a bit of a bargain. Needs a little TLC, but mechanically it appears to be spot on.

As an aside, I decided it would be prudent to joint the Rover 75 Club Forum. Here is the reply I recieved this morning:

Unfortunately your registration at The 75 and ZT Owners Club Forums did not meet our membership requirements. Therefore your registration was deleted.

Sorry,
The 75 and ZT Owners Club Forums

Now I can only assume that at age 45, I am considered too young join

What a shame that the owners' forum has such an attitude, that could put people off buying these cars which, classic-in-waiting or not, are surely the last car available with a British badge that actually had some wood about it.
Good decision to go for the Diesel, much better than the heart-stopping expense of a KV6 if repairs are required, economy and style that stands out in the modern crowd and comfort in the manner of a traditional Rover.

Interesting choice.


I'm 46, so if I try to sign up and am allowed in, then you'll know that yes, at 45 you're just not old enough to play with the big boys yet.

I've always liked the shape of the 75, but never considered buying one.

I have been searching all the usual places for a classic Rover, but could not find one (especially SD1), that quite fitted what I needed within my budget.

I did look at a 220 Coupe, but it was just too small to be lifting kids in and out of the back on a regular basis.

Whilst doing searches for Rovers, I could not believe how cheap the 75 and MG ZT are selling for. A lot of car for the money.

Will sit nicely alongside the Land Rover in the garage.

I reckon the Triumph Acclaim ticks all the boxes.

1. Being a saloon it has 5 seats but rear legroom is a bit cramped.
2. The best ones can be had for less than £1,000. My daily driver (Becky II) only cost me £100!
3. You can get low 30s mpg round town and 40+ on a run. They drink unleaded too.
4. With a 1335cc engine they're cheap to insure. I have 3 Acclaims and my Dolomite on the same Footman James policy which cost me only £272 when I renewed it in February.
5. Parts are available either via eBay, if you know the right people (I do) or if you've got a parts donor. Service parts are available from your local motor factor.
6. Acclaims are easy to maintian as they're not too complicated. The front brake pads, for instance are very easy to do and can be done in less than an hour.
7. This definitely applies here as some Triumph enthusiasts say "It's not a real Triumph". The market values reflect their "sleeper" status.

These cars are reliable and being produced from 1981-84 they fall within the right decade of your choice.

I am sure they are nice cars, the one in this months Practical Classics looked like a good one.

Not my cup of tea, I'm afraid. I like the Dolly Sprint, but they are well out of my price range.

The Rover 75 cost me £461.01 on a well know auction site. Giving it a service tomorrow. Filters, and brake pads (front and rear), came in at £65.00 from local motor factors. So should be an affordable motor to run.

Not a car from the eighties, but still budget motoring.